Washington State's Chamber

Press Release

Tuesday, September 26

AWB Statement on Millennium Bulk Terminals permit

OLYMPIA — Kris Johnson, president of the Association of Washington Business, issued the following statement today on the Department of Ecology’s decision to deny a water quality permit for the proposed Millennium Bulk Terminals project in Longview:

“This is a project that will bring good-paying jobs to a part of the state that really needs them, so we are disappointed by today’s decision. Washington is a state built on trade and this project would strengthen our ability to export products to global markets — not just coal, but all commodities, including agricultural products. This would help communities in rural Washington, which have not experienced the same economic recovery as the central Puget Sound region. We need a diverse economy in which everyone — in every part of the state — can prosper.

“We are concerned about the process that led to the decision, as well. From the beginning, it has faced unprecedented regulatory hurdles that send the wrong message to employers about Washington’s openness to investment. Permitting began more than five years ago. We need companies to invest in manufacturing, construction and infrastructure to support trade. Instead of turning away investment, our leaders should be encouraging responsible growth.”